Elon Musk Labels USAID a "Criminal Organization" Amid Controversy

A Wisconsin couple has filed a lawsuit against Walgreens and pharmacy benefits manager OptumRX, claiming their son, Cole Schmidtknecht, died due to an unaffordable price increase of his asthma medication. According to the lawsuit filed in Milwaukee, the 22-year-old Appleton resident was unable to fill his prescription for Advair Diskus, which had surged in price from $66 to $539 in just a few days. Cole Schmidtknecht, who had managed his asthma with the medication for years, reportedly left the Walgreens on January 10, 2024, without his refill, opting to use a rescue inhaler instead. Tragically, he suffered a fatal asthma attack days later. The Schmidtknechts allege that OptumRX violated Wisconsin laws by failing to notify them about the price increase in advance and that Walgreens staff did not provide alternative solutions for obtaining the medication. The family's attorney criticized both companies, stating, "The conduct of both OptumRX and Walgreens was deplorable.” OptumRX has stated that the case was handled according to industry standards, emphasizing that the patient had obtained a different asthma medication that same day for a nominal fee.

Google’s parent company Alphabet has recently lifted a long-standing ban on using artificial intelligence for developing weapons and surveillance tools, raising significant concerns among human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch described the decision as “incredibly concerning,” noting that AI can complicate accountability for critical battlefield decisions that may result in loss of life. Previously, Alphabet's guidelines prohibited applications of AI that were “likely to cause harm.” However, the company has revised these principles, arguing that businesses and democratic governments should collaborate to develop AI that "supports national security." According to Anna Bacciarelli, a senior AI researcher at Human Rights Watch, the removal of self-imposed restrictions by a global leader in AI illustrates a dangerous shift towards less accountable uses of technology. The change comes as military applications of AI are evolving rapidly, particularly in conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine. Experts suggest that the deployment of AI in warfare raises pressing ethical questions about autonomous lethal decision-making, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to govern such technologies.

Tensions escalated in Washington as President Donald Trump faced backlash for appointing Darren Beattie, a former speechwriter fired for attending a white nationalist conference, to a key role in the State Department. According to CNN, Beattie has been named acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, prompting criticism from prominent figures, including CNN commentator Van Jones, who labeled him "one of the worst people ever born." In a related incident, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett responded sharply to the situation, asserting that mediocrity among certain groups leads to a backlash against those who have historically worked harder for their positions. Crockett's comments emphasized systemic inequality in access to education, particularly regarding Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As the administration navigates these controversies, public discourse intensifies regarding appointments reflecting Trump's stance on issues of race and privilege. Officials have not provided further comments on the public outcry surrounding Beattie's appointment and its implications for U.S. diplomacy.